Islamabad: January 27, 2012. (PCP) Reiterating their full support for the protesting health professionals of three local hospitals, a coalition of 12 organizations representing trade unions, traders, Chamber of Commerce & Industry and human rights have urged the government to immediately accept protesters’ demands. Addressing a joint press here at a local hotel on Friday, the coalition leaders regretted that health professionals (nurses, doctors, paramedics and non-paramedics) of three local hospitals (PIMS, Polyclinic, NIRM) had been protesting for the past 28 days but the authorities concerned seemed least willing to address their grievances. They warned of ‘direct action’ if protesters’ demands were not accepted immediately. The coalition leaders unanimously opposed any prospective plan to privatize institutions like PIMS. ”Thousands of poor patients being treated at these institutions at affordable costs are bound to die as they cannot afford treatment at private hospitals,” they warned. They urged President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, Health Minister and Secretary Health to intervene for acceptance of protesters’ demands. Coalition leaders thanked press conference organizer Mr. J Salik, Convener World Minorities Alliance, for his unstinted support for the suffering workers. Mr. J Salik while addressing the press conference said that he had full faith in the unity of all organizations supporting the demands of the protesting health professionals. He expressed the hope that this unity will grow to mitigate sufferings of all the oppressed segments of Pakistani society. Those who addressed the press conference included, Zahoor Awan, General Secretary Pakistan Workers Federation, Munnawar Mughal, former president and executive member Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry, executive member Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin, General Secretary CDA Mazdoor Union, Muhammad Ajmal Baloch, Markazi Organising Secretary Traders Action Committee, Islamabad, Prof. Muhammad Aslam Jalali, Nazim Jamia Islamabad, Tikka Khan, General Secretary All Pakistan Akhbar Farosh Federation, Raja Waqar Hussain, Secretary General Pak PWD United Workers Federation, Habib Malik Orakzai, President International Human Rights Organisation, Dr Asim Sajjad, Human Rights Activist, Ajab Gul, social worker and J Salik, Convener World Minorities Alliance.